The Impact of Communication

Communication can be found everywhere. It exists in conversations amongst people, it is projected from a television screen to the viewers, or it is delivered in written form through letters or newspapers. The basic model of communication is presented in "The Transmission Model of Communication" where information is relayed through a transmitter and that same information is received through a receiver. I believe that, in unison with the author, this model is flawed and incomplete. It ignores the most important aspect of communication: the fact that messages can be sent and received both ways. If someone starts a conversation with you, you will respond with an answer. If you see an advertisement on television, you will show some kind of reaction. If you receive a letter, you will most likely write back.
The second reading focused on the impact that mass communication has on our society. It makes a bold claim that mass communication is the fundamental building block of democracy. Mass communication is the defining factor of democracy that defines an individual as a member of a democratic society. However, most people do not recognize the importance of mass communication and do not realize that they are already a part of something bigger than themselves.